health insurancehttp://kuer.org
enhttp://kuer.org/feeds/term/930/rss.xmlHealthcare Depot Opens Up Shop at Valley Fair Mall http://kuer.org/post/healthcare-depot-opens-shop-valley-fair-mall
<p></p><p>There’s a new storefront at Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City, but they’re not selling shoes or clothes.&nbsp;They’re in the business of healthcare.Fri, 01 Jan 2016 13:56:00 +0000Andrea Smardon72192 at http://kuer.orgHealthcare Depot Opens Up Shop at Valley Fair Mall Feds Want More Utahns to Sign up for Health Insurancehttp://kuer.org/post/feds-want-more-utahns-sign-health-insurance
<p></p><p>US Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell wants Utahns to sign up for health insurance if they haven’t done so yet. On average, insurance companies in Utah are raising premium rates 10 to 20 percent in the coming year, and three insurers have dropped out of the marketplace entirely, but Burwell insists Utahns should be able to find affordable coverage. Tue, 15 Dec 2015 23:09:08 +0000Andrea Smardon71628 at http://kuer.orgFeds Want More Utahns to Sign up for Health InsuranceNew Health Clinic Opens in West Valley City to Meet Growing Needhttp://kuer.org/post/new-health-clinic-opens-west-valley-city-meet-growing-need
<p></p><p>Health officials are cutting the ribbon Wednesday on a new clinic in West Valley City intended to provide a medical home for those who are uninsured or underserved.Thu, 10 Dec 2015 00:08:49 +0000Andrea Smardon71402 at http://kuer.orgNew Health Clinic Opens in West Valley City to Meet Growing NeedPresident Obama Issues Health Challenge to Salt Lake City http://kuer.org/post/president-obama-issues-health-challenge-salt-lake-city
<p></p><p>During this <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/">open enrollment period</a> for health insurance, the White House has <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/11/07/weekly-address-if-you-havent-gotten-covered-nows-your-chance">issued a challenge</a> to 20 communities across the country, including greater Salt Lake City.Tue, 10 Nov 2015 00:08:59 +0000Andrea Smardon70116 at http://kuer.orgPresident Obama Issues Health Challenge to Salt Lake City Rural Utahns Health Insurance Options Dwindle with Arches Closurehttp://kuer.org/post/rural-utahns-health-insurance-options-dwindle-arches-closure
<p></p><p>Thousands of Utahns are looking for new insurance now that the state’s nonprofit cooperative Arches Health Plan is closing its doors. Those living in rural areas don’t have a lot of options.Wed, 28 Oct 2015 22:59:05 +0000Andrea Smardon69620 at http://kuer.orgRural Utahns Health Insurance Options Dwindle with Arches ClosureUtah Lawmakers to Tackle Fraud in Drug Treatment Industryhttp://kuer.org/post/utah-lawmakers-tackle-fraud-drug-treatment-industry
<p></p><p>Some Utah drug treatment centers have allegedly been collecting millions of dollars in insurance payments for services they never provided, but it’s not clear what can be done to stop the fraud.Fri, 23 Oct 2015 22:54:45 +0000Andrea Smardon69423 at http://kuer.orgUtah Lawmakers to Tackle Fraud in Drug Treatment IndustryUtah Health Insurers Raise Rates to Offset Losses in Individual Markethttp://kuer.org/post/utah-health-insurers-raise-rates-offset-losses-individual-market
<p></p><p>Utahns who buy their health insurance through the federal exchange can expect substantial rate increases next year. The Utah Insurance Department updated the state Health Reform Task Force on the changes Thursday. Thu, 22 Oct 2015 23:48:55 +0000Andrea Smardon69368 at http://kuer.orgUtah Health Insurers Raise Rates to Offset Losses in Individual MarketSummit Helps Utah Families Prepare for Autism Mandatehttp://kuer.org/post/summit-helps-utah-families-prepare-autism-mandate
<p></p><p>Next year, many health insurance providers in Utah will be required to cover autism treatment. A summit is taking place on Monday to help prepare parents for the state’s autism mandate.Fri, 25 Sep 2015 21:47:36 +0000Andrea Smardon68221 at http://kuer.orgSummit Helps Utah Families Prepare for Autism MandateUtah Med Student Makes Film about Life in the Coverage Gaphttp://kuer.org/post/utah-med-student-makes-film-about-life-coverage-gap
<p></p><p>A new film about the healthcare coverage gap in Utah is <a href="http://betterutah.org/stillwaiting/">screening</a> at the University of Utah college of law Tuesday night. It’s called Donut Hole.Tue, 01 Sep 2015 00:48:05 +0000Andrea Smardon67109 at http://kuer.orgUtah Med Student Makes Film about Life in the Coverage GapGovernor Herbert Expects Legislature to Decide on Medicaid This Yearhttp://kuer.org/post/governor-herbert-expects-legislature-decide-medicaid-year
<p></p><p>Earlier this week, the chair of the <a href="http://kuer.org/post/utah-democrats-say-people-are-dying-while-waiting-medicaid-proposal">Utah Democratic party Peter Corroon criticized state Republican lawmakers</a> for failing to act on a Medicaid expansion. He said all he could do was pray the governor would call a special legislative session to resolve the issue. Corroon’s prayers may be answered before the end of the year.Thu, 20 Aug 2015 20:50:03 +0000Andrea Smardon66658 at http://kuer.orgGovernor Herbert Expects Legislature to Decide on Medicaid This YearUtah Democrats Say People Are Dying While Waiting for Medicaid Proposal http://kuer.org/post/utah-democrats-say-people-are-dying-while-waiting-medicaid-proposal
<p></p><p>Utah Democrats are blasting Republicans for not taking action to provide healthcare to low-income citizens. They held a press conference Tuesday saying a Medicaid expansion is long overdue.Tue, 18 Aug 2015 23:05:23 +0000Andrea Smardon66585 at http://kuer.orgUtah Democrats Say People Are Dying While Waiting for Medicaid Proposal Utah Allies for Medicaid Expansion “Still Waiting” for Actionhttp://kuer.org/post/utah-allies-medicaid-expansion-still-waiting-action
<p></p><p>A coalition of Utah progressives, religious leaders, and advocates for the poor launched a campaign Wednesday to demand action on the healthcare coverage gap for low income citizens.Wed, 15 Jul 2015 22:33:27 +0000Andrea Smardon65173 at http://kuer.orgUtah Allies for Medicaid Expansion “Still Waiting” for ActionUtahns Could Pay 500% More for Health Premiums, Depending on King v. Burwell Rulinghttp://kuer.org/post/utahns-could-pay-500-more-health-premiums-depending-king-v-burwell-ruling
<p></p><p>This month, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to announce its decision on <em>King v. Burwell</em>. The plaintiffs in the case claim tax credits in states that use the federal health insurance exchange are illegal. If the High Court stops these subsidies, many people across the country will be required to pay the full premiums on their insurance. Utah stands to lose more than most.Fri, 12 Jun 2015 20:01:48 +0000Andrea Smardon63746 at http://kuer.orgUtahns Could Pay 500% More for Health Premiums, Depending on King v. Burwell RulingMore Children with Autism to Gain Access to Treatment in Utahhttp://kuer.org/post/more-children-autism-gain-access-treatment-utah
<p></p><p>Up until now, autism was not covered by health insurance in Utah, but that’s about to change. Treatment options available in the state are adapting to the new policies. One partnership is going to expand the number of children with autism who can be treated.Mon, 01 Jun 2015 23:29:24 +0000Andrea Smardon63257 at http://kuer.orgMore Children with Autism to Gain Access to Treatment in UtahUtah GOP Leaders “Start Over” on Medicaid Planhttp://kuer.org/post/utah-gop-leaders-start-over-medicaid-plan
<p></p><p>Utah Governor Gary Herbert and Republican legislative leaders said they were optimistic Wednesday after leaving a meeting in Washington with federal officials, but they say they’re starting over to find an agreement on Medicaid.Thu, 30 Apr 2015 21:43:13 +0000Andrea Smardon61929 at http://kuer.orgUtah GOP Leaders “Start Over” on Medicaid PlanUtah’s Own Health Exchange Has Doubled Enrollment Since 2012 http://kuer.org/post/utah-s-own-health-exchange-has-doubled-enrollment-2012
<p></p><p>More small Utah businesses are turning to the state-based health insurance marketplace known as Avenue H to offer healthcare benefits to employees.Wed, 08 Apr 2015 23:32:13 +0000Andrea Smardon60948 at http://kuer.orgUtah’s Own Health Exchange Has Doubled Enrollment Since 2012 Utah to Extend Autism Treatment to Children through Medicaidhttp://kuer.org/post/utah-extend-autism-treatment-children-through-medicaid
<p></p><p>More Utah children with autism will soon have access to behavioral therapy. The state is preparing to expand its Medicaid program to include <a href="http://health.utah.gov/ltc/asd/">autism services</a>.Wed, 01 Apr 2015 22:08:11 +0000Andrea Smardon60617 at http://kuer.orgUtah to Extend Autism Treatment to Children through MedicaidUtahns “Lined Up Out the Door” for Health Insurancehttp://kuer.org/post/utahns-lined-out-door-health-insurance
<p></p><p>This weekend is the deadline to buy health insurance through the federal marketplace. Utah's second open enrollment period for insurance through the Affordable Care Act closes on February 15<sup>th</sup>.Sat, 14 Feb 2015 00:05:21 +0000Andrea Smardon58567 at http://kuer.orgUtahns “Lined Up Out the Door” for Health InsuranceMore Utahns Signing Up for Obamacare http://kuer.org/post/more-utahns-signing-obamacare
<p></p><p>New Obamacare enrollment numbers are in. When Matthew Slonaker of <a href="http://www.healthpolicyproject.org/index.html">Utah Health Policy Project</a> looks at how many people in the state signed up for insurance in the first month of this enrollment period, he sees good news.Thu, 01 Jan 2015 20:31:02 +0000Andrea Smardon56555 at http://kuer.orgMore Utahns Signing Up for Obamacare Governor Herbert Unveils Health Plan Detailshttp://kuer.org/post/governor-herbert-unveils-health-plan-details
<p></p><p>Governor Gary Herbert officially unveiled <a href="http://healthy.utah.gov/healthyutahplan.pdf">his plan</a> Thursday to close the coverage gap and help low income Utahns get health insurance under the federal Affordable Care Act.</p>Thu, 04 Dec 2014 23:30:07 +0000Andrea Smardon55385 at http://kuer.orgGovernor Herbert Unveils Health Plan DetailsFeds Visit Utah to Encourage Health Insurance Enrollmenthttp://kuer.org/post/feds-visit-utah-encourage-health-insurance-enrollment
<p></p><p>A regional director for US Department of Health and Human Services is in Utah to raise awareness about the second open enrollment period for health insurance.</p><p>Kim Gillan is the HHS Regional Director for six states in the Rocky Mountain region, but for the moment, her role in Utah is to be a health insurance cheerleader. Gillan says <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/">healthcare.gov</a> is much more user friendly than it was in the first rollout and it’s operating smoothly.</p>Wed, 19 Nov 2014 23:43:50 +0000Andrea Smardon54771 at http://kuer.orgFeds Visit Utah to Encourage Health Insurance EnrollmentUtah Gets Ready for Open Enrollment Seasonhttp://kuer.org/post/utah-gets-ready-open-enrollment-season
<p>Some people might think of November as the beginning of the holiday season, but for those involved in the health insurance field – it’s the beginning of another open enrollment season. Jason Stevenson of <a href="http://www.healthpolicyproject.org/">Utah Health Policy Project</a> joins us to answer questions about health insurance this enrollment season, which begins Saturday, November 15th.</p><p>More information about open enrollment is available at <a href="http://takecareutah.org/">Take Care Utah.</a></p><p></p><p></p>Thu, 13 Nov 2014 23:04:32 +0000Andrea Smardon54522 at http://kuer.orgUtah Gets Ready for Open Enrollment SeasonNew Healthcare Model Saves Money for Utah Patientshttp://kuer.org/post/new-healthcare-model-saves-money-utah-patients
<p></p><p>While the cost of healthcare continues to go up around the country, a new delivery and payment model in Utah is saving money for patients.</p>Wed, 29 Oct 2014 22:59:36 +0000Andrea Smardon53818 at http://kuer.orgNew Healthcare Model Saves Money for Utah PatientsLast Resort: Mental Healthcare Behind Barshttp://kuer.org/post/last-resort-mental-healthcare-behind-bars
<p></p><p>For those in Utah who are addicted to drugs or mentally ill, jail may be one of the only places where treatment is free and accessible. In part one of a two-part series, KUER looks at how Salt Lake County cares for its incarcerated population.</p><p>Talking to people outside the Road Home shelter in Salt Lake City, you hear about job losses and the deaths of family members and friends, life events that can derail those who don’t have much of a support system, but you also hear another prevailing strain.</p>Mon, 06 Oct 2014 23:24:11 +0000Andrea Smardon52893 at http://kuer.orgLast Resort: Mental Healthcare Behind BarsUtah Health Premiums to Increase 5.7 Percent http://kuer.org/post/utah-health-premiums-increase-57-percent
<p></p><p>Another open enrollment period to sign up for health insurance is coming up in November, and rates are going to change. State assistance insurance commissioner Tanji (TAN-jee) Northrup says premium rates increase every year along with healthcare costs. She says preliminary estimates show that premium rates for individuals will go up by about 5.7 percent on average. That’s compared to an estimated national increase of 7 percent.</p>Thu, 18 Sep 2014 23:52:28 +0000Andrea Smardon52231 at http://kuer.orgSurvey Shows Utah Uninsured Rate Unchanged by Obamacarehttp://kuer.org/post/survey-shows-utah-uninsured-rate-unchanged-obamacare
<p></p><p>A national poll shows Utah’s uninsured rate has not changed since the federal Affordable Care Act required all Americans to have health insurance.&nbsp; This reflects trends across the country, where states that fully embraced the law's coverage expansion are experiencing a significant drop in the number of uninsured residents. But Utah and other states whose leaders still object to Obamacare are seeing much less change.</p>Thu, 07 Aug 2014 22:41:03 +0000Andrea Smardon50404 at http://kuer.orgSurvey Shows Utah Uninsured Rate Unchanged by ObamacareUtahns Keep Health Insurance Subsidies for Nowhttp://kuer.org/post/utahns-keep-health-insurance-subsidies-now
<p></p><p>A federal court in Washington DC ruled Tuesday that Obamacare subsidies are illegal. Utah is among 36 states that would&nbsp;potentially be affected by this ruling, but for now, Utahns will continue to receive those subsidies.</p>Wed, 23 Jul 2014 22:23:26 +0000Andrea Smardon49718 at http://kuer.orgUtahns Keep Health Insurance Subsidies for NowFilm Highlights Utah’s Health Coverage Gaphttp://kuer.org/post/film-highlights-utah-s-health-coverage-gap
<p></p><p>A film debuting Tuesday in Salt Lake City highlights Utah’s low income citizens who don’t have access to affordable health insurance.&nbsp; The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2kEubKv1LI">new documentary</a> tells the stories of Utah adults who fall within the state's coverage gap, earning too little to buy subsidized insurance on healthcare.gov, but too much to receive Medicaid.</p>Tue, 03 Jun 2014 21:50:33 +0000Andrea Smardon47277 at http://kuer.orgFilm Highlights Utah’s Health Coverage GapUtah Lawmakers Put Off Healthcare Decisions for Low Income Citizenshttp://kuer.org/post/utah-lawmakers-put-healthcare-decisions-low-income-citizens
<p></p><p>Utah’s Republican lawmakers say they’re not ready to make any decisions about Medicaid expansion or <a href="http://www.utah.gov/governor/news_media/article.html?article=9747">the governor’s alternative plan</a>. That means over 110,000 low income Utahns will likely be waiting at least until next year before they know what their health insurance options may be.</p><p>At a GOP caucus this week, Republicans legislators determined that they don’t all agree when it comes to Medicaid and healthcare reform.</p>Fri, 23 May 2014 03:56:28 +0000Andrea Smardon46729 at http://kuer.orgUtah Lawmakers Put Off Healthcare Decisions for Low Income CitizensHouse Republicans Work to Close “Coverage Gap” Without Expanding Medicaidhttp://kuer.org/post/house-republicans-work-close-coverage-gap-without-expanding-medicaid
<p></p><p>Republican state lawmakers have come up with a proposal to provide health insurance for those who fall below the poverty line, but it does not expand Medicaid in the state. Democrats say rejecting those federal dollars is irresponsible.</p>Thu, 20 Feb 2014 06:36:09 +0000Andrea Smardon42380 at http://kuer.orgHouse Republicans Work to Close “Coverage Gap” Without Expanding Medicaid